Make time in your calendar this month to honor Northern Virginia’s past with these options for honoring Black History Month. The FOCUS on NoVA Real Estate team gives you some great options to start.

Freedom House

The Freedom House is a rowhouse on Duke Street in Old Town Alexandria and from 1828-1836 was the Franklin, Armfield & Co. It was the most successful trade business in America at the time and had more slaves sold at auction than any other place in the nation.
The rowhouse was recently purchased by the City of Alexandria, and with funds from the state, will be renovating and expanding the museum, which currently in the basement of the rowhouse.

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Explore artifacts, documents and interactive displays of what life was like for the 19 enslaved people at the first president’s family estate.
Patrons will also get a glimpse into Washington’s changing mind on slavery and see his will, which freed his slaves upon his death.

Gum Springs Historical Society and Cultural Center

Close to Mount Vernon is the oldest African-American community in Fairfax County. Gum Springs was founded in 1833 by West Ford, a former slave of George Washington. The center hosts exhibits and activities to honor its history.

APS Black History Month Celebration

Arlington Public School, on Feb. 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., is hosting a celebration that will showcase music, art and displays focused on the trailblazers, both past and present. The event is being held at Kenmore Middle School.